The Biden administration is set to open the American Climate Corps jobs board next month, offering a range of positions aimed at addressing climate change and environmental conservation.
Naveena Sadasivam and Kate Yoder report for Grist.
In short:
- The program, inspired by the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps, will initially offer hundreds of jobs, with plans to hire 20,000 young people in its first year.
- Positions will cover various fields including energy efficiency, disaster response, recycling, and wildfire mitigation, with no experience required for most jobs.
- Strong public support is seen for the program, with a majority of voters across political lines backing the initiative and many young people showing interest.
Key quote:
“There’s an incredible demand signal from young people who we see as being put on a pathway to good-paying careers.”
— Maggie Thomas, special assistant to the president for climate change
Why this matters:
This initiative is a cooperative effort involving multiple federal agencies, including AmeriCorps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Departments of Labor, Interior, Agriculture, and Energy. Its primary aim is to mobilize over 20,000 young Americans, equipping them with the skills needed for future careers in public service or the private sector focused on environmental conservation, clean energy, and climate resilience.
